Píngyáo, China  平遥

Corn drying, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Although Píngyáo is one of my favorite Chinese towns, the central area tends to lack much color. Everything is a grayish blue. The streets, buildings and walls tend to blend and blur into each other without much notice. On my second day there I decide to go on a color mission and seek out what color I can find for several photo shoots. Upon leaving Píngyáo, the authorities take interest in my color collection and charge me with a color-collection tax of 15 yuan, which I gladly pay. Below are the fruits of my labor. Please handle with care.

Street view from my restaurant, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Míng Dynasty walls surround the entire town, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Entrance to temple, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Temple culture, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Actors for a Chinese film, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Because of its historical look, Chinese films are often filmed in Píngyáo.

Street life, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Art school, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

What do these banners say?

Barrels, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Street market selling healthy items, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Corn dehydrating in the sun, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

On the ramparts, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Sculptures inside a temple, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Check out this outfit, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004

Carts the travel the wall ramparts, Píngyáo, Shānxī, China — November 2004